Posted by racer on January 3, 1999, at 21:56:31
In reply to Herbs, posted by Mattias on January 3, 1999, at 20:14:39
I've read about St John's Wort, although I haven't tried it. Here's a few words that you won't like hearing.
First of all, all chemicals are chemicals, whether they come from herbs or from pharmaceutical labs. The biggest difference is that the chemical compounds that come from the commercial labs are well regulated and extensively tested. The herbal concoctions can contain widely varied amounts of the active ingredients, and can contain other compounds that may effect their efficacy. Although the "all natural" label may make you feel more virtuous, it probably doesn't help as much as the tested, quality controlled, prescribed substances you get from your friendly, degreed, neighborhood pharmacist.
Next, before you do anything that might effect your medications, talk to your doctor. If you don't get along with your doctor, don't feel confident of your communications, and you have the option, find yourself a doctor you can work with. If you don't have the option of switching and still don't get along with the doctor, find an advocate who can help you communicate your concerns.
Finally, please be an informed consumer of any dietary supplements. Keep in mind that over the counter supplements are not well regulated, and that the regulations in place are there to protect you, the consumer. All that bureaucracy that drives us crazy was put in place for our protection.
The National DMDA newsletter just had a short article on SJW, BTW.
poster:racer
thread:2020
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/19990101/msgs/2024.html